Science: Basic Research Plan

Research on the History of Science, Technology, the Earth, and the Universe, Based on Physical Materials

This basic research elucidates the developmental history of science, technology, the universe, and Earth by primarily studying significant physical materials that, as products of human intellectual activity, have influenced social life. While the scope of this research partially includes the Edo period, it primarily encompasses the entire history of science and technology in Japan from the beginning of modernization to the present day.
This basic research is primarily conducted by the Department of Science.

Research on the Systematization of Technology Based on a Survey of Historical Materials on Industrial Technology

Background

Within the Science research field, topics addressed by the focused-scope integrated research project, "Research on the Developmental History of Science and Technology in Early Modern Japan" (see "References" below), is handled under that specific project. In contrast, basic research will broadly cover areas not included in the project, while also aiming to contribute to building Kahaku’s collection.

In the field of Science, historical materials resulting from human scientific and technological activities are often dispersed or discarded because they are difficult to preserve. It is a vital part of Kahaku's mission to correctly assess the value of these historical materials and to make every effort to preserve and utilize items deemed worthy, including acquiring them for Kahaku’s collection. To this end, we must steadily conduct research on these materials as part of our basic research.

Research Plan

We will conduct research on topics like ironmaking and mining as part of our research into Japan's modernization since the Meiji period, focusing on two sites on the tentative list for World Heritage status (as of 2010): the "Modern Industrial Heritage Sites in Kyushu and Yamaguchi" and "Sado Island, a Complex of Gold and Silver Mines." The research is conducted by serving on and collaborating with the survey committees established in each region.

To study the state of manufacturing in modern Japan, we will collect materials and information and conduct research on technologies related to automobiles, aerospace, and other fields. This work is carried out in collaboration with and as members of committees under the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and other relevant ministries and agencies. The findings will then be published in reports and presented in exhibitions.

In the field of electrical technology, we will conduct research on the introduction and development processes of technologies in Japan in the areas of electric power, communication, electronics, and information technology. At the same time, we will carry out research into the continuous and effective collection, preservation, and utilization of materials that are rapidly being lost due to the development and transformation of current technologies and the hollowing out of industry.
In the field of chemistry, we will conduct research and surveys to locate and study materials documenting the development of chemistry and the chemical industry in Japan since the modern era, focusing on physical materials in Kahaku’s collection while also including literature and other related materials. We will also participate in the activities of the Chemical Heritage Committee of the Chemical Society of Japan and examine methods for storing and preserving the materials collected in the process.
In the field of architecture, our research will focus on railway-related technologies that have significantly contributed to the development of Japan's industries. Specifically, we will examine the architectural technologies required for constructing various facilities, such as station buildings, to clarify their design philosophies and the processes by which the technology was transferred.
In the field of the history of science, our research will examine the development of geophysics based on physical materials, including seismic and geodetic materials. Our work on the history of astronomy, conducted mainly through literature, will investigate the dissemination and popularization of calendrical and astronomical knowledge in the early modern period, as well as the spread of astronomy and the rise of amateur astronomers—a phenomenon largely unique to Japan—from the modern era onward.

As part of our research into the history of the universe and Earth based on the museum's physical materials, we will compile its sunspot observation records, which span half a century from the 1940s, into a form suitable for analysis and make it available. We also seek to obtain new insights into solar activity through their analysis. In addition, by closely examining the isotopic composition of chondrites, we aim to clarify the environmental conditions and chronology of the early stages of the solar system’s formation.

Reference Materials

Integrated Research: "Research on the Development history of science and technology in the dawn of modern Japan"

Based on literature and physical materials, this research systematically elucidates the history of the development of science and technology in early modern Japan, covering fields such as electrical engineering, chemistry, astronomy, geophysics, architecture, and medical and pharmaceutical sciences, while also clarifying the interdependent relationships that drove their development.

In fiscal year 2011, the plan's inaugural year, we will begin to systematically clarify the history of the development of science and technology during early modern Japan by conducting a broad survey to locate materials related to key fields—including electrical engineering, chemistry, astronomy, geophysics, architecture, and medical and pharmaceutical sciences—and then analyzing their content. Specifically, our research will cover foreign experts hired in the early Meiji period and Japanese scientists and engineers of the Meiji and Taisho periods, as well as investigations into the introduction and production of various instruments, machines, and devices used in science and technology, primarily during the Meiji period.

Background

Behind Japan's remarkable postwar economic development lies the manufacturing technology that had been steadily developed since the Meiji era. The artifacts that bear witness to the legacy of the pioneers who built these industries are rapidly disappearing due to factors such as changes in the industrial structure, the overseas relocation of production, and the aging of the generation that supported postwar technology.

The ultimate goal of this research is to identify the locations of valuable materials that illustrate the development of industrial technology in Japan and to promote their preservation and utilization. This research is conducted in collaboration with relevant industrial associations, academic organizations, and government bodies. It focuses on three main pillars: identifying the locations of historical materials on industrial technology throughout Japan, accumulating and publishing information about these materials, and studying the interplay between technological development and society, culture, and the economy. From the historical materials on industrial technology that have been located, we will select those deemed particularly important to pass on to future generations and designate them as "Essential Historical Materials for Science and Technology," aiming to preserve these national treasures that are at risk of being lost.

Content

This research will primarily focus on the following.

1. 1.Survey to Locate Historical Materials on Industrial Technology
   Clarify the locations and preservation status of materials (historical materials on industrial technology) that document the development of Japanese industrial technology. The survey will be conducted for each technical field in collaboration with relevant industrial associations, academic societies, and other organizations. The survey results will be compiled in a database and made publicly available online.
2. Research on the Systemization of Technologies
   This research examines historical materials on industrial technology that have been located and analyzes the development of its technology and its interplay with society, culture, and the economy for each technical field, aiming to compile a comprehensive and systematic history of technology. We will also assess the value of the surviving historical materials on industrial technology. This systematization will be conducted in collaboration with experts who have profound knowledge in their respective technical fields.
3. Selection of Candidates for the Essential Historical Materials for Science and Technology and Their Registration in the Registry
   We select historical materials on industrial technology that have been systematized and assessed, nominating them as candidates for registration as Essential Historical Materials for Science and Technology. Once a material is approved for registration, its information is registered in the "Registry of Essential Historical Materials for Science and Technology," and we continuously monitor its condition. Through these efforts, we strive to preserve these national treasures that are at risk of being lost.

Fiscal Year 2011 Plan

1. 1.Survey to Locate Historical Materials on Industrial Technology
   For approximately 50 technical fields, such as construction machinery technology and optical measuring instrument technology, we will select about 10 partner organizations from relevant industry associations and other groups, then collaborate with them to conduct survey to locate materials. The survey results will be databased and made publicly available online.
2. Research on the Systemization of Technologies
   We plan to conduct research on the systemization of technologies of six fields—gas engines, information recording paper, silver halide photographic film, tape recorders, structural adhesives, and wire ropes—in collaboration with experts who have deep expertise in each area. The research findings will be compiled into a report for publication.
3. Selection of Candidates for the Essential Historical Materials for Science and Technology and Their Registration in the Registry
   Historical materials on industrial technology that are evaluated through this systemization research will be selected as candidates for the Essential Historical Materials for Science and Technology. Furthermore, we will conduct more detailed research on materials previously selected as candidates and will certify about 20 of them as Essential Historical Materials for Science and Technology. By registering their information in the "Registry of Essential Historical Materials for Science and Technology," we will strive to continuously track their state over time.